Day: August 5, 2026

European leaders urge caution in criticizing Morocco over ceuta migration surge

Aïcha Abdou

European leaders urge caution in criticizing Morocco over Ceuta migration surge The Spanish government has privately urged European allies to refrain from openly criticizing Morocco following the unprecedented surge of over 72,000 migrants into Ceuta from neighboring Morocco in a matter of days. Madrid’s request came during an emergency online meeting of EU Interior Ministers, where several questioned how such a large-scale border crossing could occur without at least a loosening of Morocco’s typically stringent border controls. The Spanish delegation emphasized the need to preserve the strategic partnership with Rabat,…

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Gabon’s growing public debt: a critical trajectory towards 94.3% of GDP by 2027

Aïcha Abdou

Gabon’s public debt continues its upward trend, with projections indicating it will reach a staggering 94.3% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2027. This trajectory, initiated during the transitional presidency and affirmed under Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema’s tenure, pushes the nation to a critical threshold, significantly exceeding the 70% GDP convergence criteria set by the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC) in Libreville. Mounting debt trajectory alarms financial partners The accelerating pace of Gabon’s debt accumulation stands in stark contrast to the fiscal discipline commitments made to…

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Gabon’s president in Abidjan to strengthen economic ties with Côte d’Ivoire

Aïcha Abdou

Gabon’s president in Abidjan to strengthen economic ties with Côte d’Ivoire 81 Libreville, August 5, 2026 — The arrival of Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema in Abidjan marks a pivotal moment in Gabonese diplomacy. Following visits to Ghana, Gambia, and Sierra Leone, the Gabonese president’s stop in Côte d’Ivoire carries special significance. Invited as the guest of honor by President Alassane Ouattara for Côte d’Ivoire’s 66th Independence Day celebrations, Oligui Nguema is not merely reinforcing bilateral ties. He is positioning Gabon within a broader continental strategy where political alliances must translate…

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Cameroon: key military promotion shapes defense leadership

Ousmane Tandja

President Paul Biya recently issued a significant decree within Cameroon’s armed forces, elevating a key military figure. On August 3, 2026, Raymond Jean Charles Beko’o Abondo, who previously served as the esteemed commander of the presidential guard, was officially promoted to the rank of Brigadier General. This strategic appointment by the head of state underscores the ongoing evolution and restructuring within the national military framework. Such promotions are integral to reinforcing leadership and maintaining operational readiness across Cameroon’s defense sectors. By Ousmane Tandja — Senior correspondent

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Gabon’s extractive sector faces oil decline, manganese growth in early 2026

Ousmane Tandja

Gabon’s extractive industries experienced a mixed performance at the start of 2026. The sector’s overall activity witnessed a 2.9% contraction, primarily driven by a downturn in hydrocarbons. In stark contrast, the manganese segment continued its upward trajectory. This trend highlights the enduring structural reliance of the Gabonese economy on its upstream petroleum sector’s output, a key finding from the sectoral economic report by the Directorate General of Economy and Fiscal Policy (DGEPF). Gabon’s extractive sector hampered by oil production decline The significant drop in hydrocarbon output heavily impacts the entire…

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West African bloc enforces unified stance against Sahel alliance

Aïcha Abdou

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has adopted a firmer diplomatic stance toward the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). During the ordinary summit held in Lungi, Sierra Leone, regional leaders established a decisive principle: no member state will be allowed to pursue separate negotiations with Mali, Burkina Faso, or Niger on critical issues. This move aims to safeguard the cohesion of a West African bloc already strained since the three Sahelian nations officially withdrew in January 2025. The decision to centralize discussions reflects growing concerns in Abuja. Since…

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Union Saint-Gilloise’s champions league hopes hang on norway showdown after dramatic draw

Ousmane Tandja

Union Saint-Gilloise played out an exhilarating 3-3 draw against Bodo Glimt in their UEFA Champions League third qualifying round encounter on Tuesday in Brussels, a match where they regrettably conceded all three goals from set-piece situations. The Belgian side, Union Saint-Gilloise, concluded the first leg of their UEFA Champions League third qualifying round tie with a 3-3 stalemate against Norwegian vice-champions Bodo/Glimt. This captivating match unfolded on Tuesday evening in Ostende. The scoring began with a free-kick from Norway’s Berg in the 20th minute, putting Bodo/Glimt ahead. However, Florucz quickly…

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